Despite netting 11 times in the Premier League so far this season, a tally that makes him the joint top English scorer in the division, Lambert was not picked for last night’s friendly against Brazil, at Wembley.

“He’s got 11 goals in the Premier League in 25 games and that by anyone’s standards is a good return,” Le Tissier told the Daily Echo.

“You look at what Van Persie does and it’s phenomenal. Because of what he’s done, it almost belittles other people’s achievement of scoring a goal nearly every other game.

“If you can play in the Premier League and score a goal nearly every other game you are a good footballer.